Read on to get betting odds and analysis in our Butler vs Houston NCAA Basketball prediction and preview and see who we think will win and cover the spread in Houston.
Butler vs Houston Prediction
Don't miss out on the NCAA showdown between the Bulldogs and Cougars. The game is starting at 5:30 ET on ESPN2, and it's hosted by the Cougars at Fertitta Center in Houston, TX. Get ready to place your bets! The over/under for this game is set at 134.5 points, and Houston is favored by -16.5 against Butler in a non-conference matchup.
Butler vs. Houston Matchup At A Glance
- Sport: NCAAB
- Teams: Butler Bulldogs at Houston Cougars
- Where: Houston at Fertitta Center
- Date: Saturday, December 7th
- Betting Odds HOU -16.5, BUTL +1042 | HOU -2200 O/U 134.5
Bulldogs Preview: Are Butler Ready for a Road Win?
Butler Bulldogs Recent Game/Games
The Bulldogs improved to 7-1 on the season with a 73-58 win over Eastern Illinois on Tuesday. Butler was a heavy favorite at home, but they didn’t cover the -21 spread. The total points for the game were 131, falling short of the 141-point O/U line.
Butler led 36-27 at halftime and continued to control the game in the 2nd half, outscoring the Panthers 37-31.
Bulldogs Offense Breakdown
Butler's offense put up 73 points in their last game, shooting 52.3% from the field with an effective field goal percentage of 59.1%. They hit 66.7% of their two-point attempts (16/24) and 35% from beyond the arc (7/20). At the free-throw line, they connected on 80%, making 20 of 25 attempts.
Kooper Jacobi and Patrick McCaffery each knocked down 5 threes, with Jacobi shooting 71.4% from deep and McCaffery hitting 62.5%. Jahmyl Telfort was efficient inside, shooting 83.3% overall, while Nakyel Shelton contributed 5 assists despite struggling from the field and missing all 4 of his three-point attempts.
Bulldogs Team Defense
Butler's defense gave up 58 points despite allowing their opponent to shoot 52% from the field. The Bulldogs struggled to contain two-point attempts, with the other team hitting 66% of their shots inside the arc.
From three-point range, Butler's defense allowed 7 threes on 20 attempts, a 35% shooting rate. They also sent the opposing team to the line 25 times, where they converted 20 free throws, shooting 80%.
Cougars Preview: Can Houston Live Up to the Hype at Home?
Houston Cougars Recent Game/Games
Houston’s season record dropped to 4-3 after a 73-70 home loss to San Diego State on Saturday, November 30th. The Cougars, who were -13.5 favorites going into the game, not only lost but also failed to cover the spread.
Houston led 30-25 at halftime but allowed 40 points in the 2nd half while scoring 35. The total points for the game reached 143, exceeding the over/under line of 127.
Cougars Offense Breakdown
Houston's offense struggled from the field in their last game, shooting just 37.1% overall. They hit only 31.6% of their two-point attempts, but connected on 45.8% from beyond the arc, making 11 threes.
Emanuel Sharp led the way with 23 points, hitting 4 of 8 threes, while L.J. Cryer added 21 points and 5 threes. Jared Coleman-Jones was efficient, shooting 66.7% overall and 75% from deep.
Cougars Team Defense
Even though the Cougars gave up 73 points, they held their opponent to just 37% shooting from the field. Houston was especially effective inside, allowing only 12 two-point baskets on 38 attempts, a 31% success rate.
From beyond the arc, the Cougars' defense allowed 11 threes on 24 attempts, with their opponent shooting 45%. Houston also sent them to the line 17 times, where they made 13 free throws, hitting 76%. The Cougars gave up 17 offensive rebounds.
Bulldogs vs Cougars Betting Odds, Trends & Analysis
- When looking at their past five road matchups, Butler has an ATS record of 3-2 while averaging 71 per game. The team went 2-3 overall in these games.
- Through their last three home contests, the Cougars offense has averaged 78 points per game while allowing an average of 76. Houston posted an overall record of 2-1 while going 0-3 ATS.
- The Bulldogs have played well in their last five games as the betting underdog, going 3-2 straight up and 3-2 against the spread.
- The last three games that Houston was favored, they have an ATS mark of 0-3 while going 1-2 straight up.
Butler vs Houston Prediction & Free Pick
- KnupSports.com Free Betting Prediction: Butler +16.5 Be sure to check out our other NCAA Basketball betting previews for this week. KnupSports.com also updates their sports betting picks page daily with plays across all sports.